Sixteen talented Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD fine arts students were recognized for their outstanding work at the Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) State Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE). These talented students, among the top 7% of competitors in the state, earned several awards and accolades. 

More than 33,000 students from across the state competed in this year's event. The VASE competition celebrates exemplary student achievement in the visual arts, providing a standard of excellence for art students and programs.

"Our students showed incredible creativity, skill, and determination," said Newman Smith art teacher, Violet Smith. "Their success is a testament to their hard work and passion for the arts."

Congratulations to the following students:

• Gabby Majano, Gold Seal and scholarship winner
• Aqua Leasure, Gold Seal winner
• Jacob Bary, Silver medal
• Allison Boenig, Silver medal and scholarship winner
• Sophia Bowen, Silver medal
• Sara Gamboa, Silver medal
• Ava Griggs, Bronze medal
• Acacia Hobbs, Silver medal
• Haleema Johnson, medal
• Kelis Lee, Silver medal
• Sequoia Moss, Silver
• Daniel Ortiz, medal
• Sam Wilson, Silver medal
• Vanessa Young, Silver medal
• Daniel Vazquez, State Division 4
• Reyna Castillo, State Division 4

About VASE

The VASE event, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2019, has grown from just over 400 entries in its first year to approximately 35,000 entries annually. Academically eligible high school students in grades 9-12 from across Texas can participate. Students create original artworks, write about their creative process and articulate their understanding of visual art during an interview with a juror who evaluates their work using a standards-based rubric.

All winning artworks can be viewed in the student gallery on TAEA’s website.